Wrestling legend Jake “The Snake” Roberts is on the mend after undergoing successful heart ablation surgery—and if all goes well, he could be back on the road with fans before the month is out.
The WWE Hall of Famer and current AEW personality had the procedure on May 13 to address an irregular heartbeat. Roberts, who also manages chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), discovered the arrhythmia earlier this year while hospitalized for pneumonia. He first mentioned the issue on a February episode of his podcast The Snake Pit, saying:
“I got a problem with my ticker. But by going in, I caught it, and we got to go have a couple of procedures done, and it’ll be all hunky dory then.”
The heart ablation procedure—commonly used to correct arrhythmias by targeting problematic heart tissue—appears to have gone smoothly. His wife, Cheryl Roberts, shared the good news via Instagram shortly after the surgery, noting that Jake was already making strong progress and expected to be discharged soon. She added that following a week of recovery, Roberts plans to resume traveling and appearances.
Jake himself later chimed in with his own post-op update, letting fans know he’s doing well and eager to get back out there. His next scheduled appearance is at Iron City Comic Con in Birmingham, Alabama on May 31 and June 1, and all signs point to Roberts being ready to go for the event.
It’s nothing short of remarkable given Roberts’ past health battles and storied personal journey, and even more so considering he turns 70 later this month. As always, “The Snake” continues to prove he’s one of the toughest icons in wrestling history.
I’m out of surgery, recovering well, and feeling good.
WWE’s annual Draft is still on the calendar for 2025 — and it looks like it could be coming sooner rather than later.
According to Wrestling Observer Radio, Bryan Alvarez reports that WWE is likely planning to hold this year’s Draft during its packed Memorial Day weekend in Tampa, Florida. That weekend already features Saturday Night’s Main Event, NXT: Battleground, Monday Night RAW, and NXT TV — all running out of the Yuengling Center. Slotting the Draft into that schedule would give WWE a high-energy backdrop to shake up its rosters.
While the date isn’t officially confirmed, Alvarez said it’s “very likely” the Draft could take place “on that weekend or that week,” suggesting WWE may finally be ready to reshuffle its roster and pull the trigger on some long-anticipated call-ups.
Chief among those expected to be moved up are NXT standouts Roxanne Perez and Giulia. Despite her frequent appearances on the main roster since the Royal Rumble, Perez is still technically listed as an NXT talent. “She should be petitioning for main roster back pay,” Alvarez joked, referencing how often she’s already been involved with RAW and SmackDown.
Giulia, the high-profile signing from Japan, has yet to officially debut in-ring, but buzz around her has remained high — and the Draft would be a natural time to transition her into a featured role on the main stage. Stephanie Vaquer and Kelani Jordan were also named as strong candidates for a call-up, though Alvarez noted WWE won’t be promoting everyone at once.
“There’s a reason that a lot of women were cut in the last couple of weeks,” Alvarez said, pointing to recent roster trimming. “They are making room on the roster for a lot of other women to get called up.”
If the Draft does land at the end of May, it will mark the first major reshuffle of WWE’s roster in 2025, and potentially the start of a new era for several NXT favorites. With Memorial Day weekend already shaping up to be a big one for WWE programming, fans might want to keep their eyes on Tampa — the future of RAW and SmackDown could be decided there.
Shotzi’s post-WWE journey is already taking shape, and it’s looking like a bold new chapter. According to Fightful Select, the soon-to-be former WWE Superstar is officially headed to Major League Wrestling, with her debut set for the June 26 Summer of the Beasts event — a move that MLW had been teasing in recent weeks.
Sources within MLW indicate the company has big plans for Shotzi right out of the gate. Her upcoming appearance won’t be a one-off, either; she’s expected to become a recurring presence, with multiple appearances already lined up. More interestingly, she’ll reportedly have a significant level of creative input in her presentation — including a say in who she faces.
Shotzi’s arrival comes as MLW is putting serious focus on rejuvenating its women’s division. The division is now under the creative direction of Salina De La Renta and is being infused with top international talent, especially from Japan’s Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling (TJPW). Expect joshi wrestlers to be featured prominently moving forward, with MLW also scouting talent from CMLL, the indie circuit, and recently released names from other major promotions.
One potential marquee match already being discussed: Shotzi vs. MLW World Featherweight Champion Shoko Nakajima. The reigning champ from TJPW won the title in April and has quickly become a cornerstone of MLW’s women’s division. A clash between Nakajima and Shotzi would be a major spotlight bout — a fusion of star power, styles, and fan intrigue.
Shotzi, known for her high-octane, risk-taking style, seems like a perfect fit for MLW’s evolving brand of wrestling. With the promotion prioritizing both international talent and creative freedom, her arrival could be a game-changer not just for her career, but for the entire women’s division.
Expect fireworks when Shotzi lands in MLW this summer.
WWE’s resident A-Lister is heading back to reality TV — this time, as the face of a legendary competition series. Mike “The Miz” Mizanin has officially been named the host of Amazon Prime Video’s upcoming American Gladiators reboot.
The revival, which is being developed by Amazon in partnership with producers John Ferraro and Daniel Calin, marks a modern comeback for the classic series that originally ran from the late ’80s through the ’90s. Amazon is looking to deliver more than just nostalgia — they’re aiming for a full-fledged cultural moment.
“We’re excited to officially welcome WWE Superstar Mike ‘The Miz’ Mizanin to the American Gladiators family,” said Barry Poznick, general manager of MGM Alternative, Evolution Media, and Big Fish Entertainment. “He’s the perfect host for the new era of this iconic franchise.”
The new version will spotlight a diverse lineup of athletic competitors, including CrossFit stars, bodybuilders, Division I athletes, and elite fitness trainers from around the globe. These gladiators-in-the-making will face revamped challenges designed to test both physical prowess and on-screen charisma — two areas The Miz knows a thing or two about.
While Miz will lead the charge, don’t be surprised if more WWE faces pop up along the way. Past reports have suggested that other wrestlers could eventually join the show, either as contestants or special guests, bridging the gap between pro wrestling and mainstream athletic entertainment.
For Miz, this is another notch on his already stacked entertainment résumé. Before becoming a WWE Champion, he cut his teeth in reality TV on The Real World and The Challenge. Since then, he’s hosted everything from Cannonball to Champs vs. Stars, and starred in multiple films and WWE-related projects.
With Amazon throwing serious weight behind the reboot — including a live tour and a 24/7 Gladiators streaming channel — the return of American Gladiators is shaping up to be a massive event. And with The Miz holding the mic, the show’s larger-than-life energy is practically guaranteed.
Stay tuned — American Gladiators is about to get awesome.
The wrestling world is mourning the loss of a true icon of the hardcore era, as Terrence Brunk—known to fans across the globe as Sabu—has passed away at the age of 60.
PWInsider was first to report the heartbreaking news, though details surrounding the cause and exact time of death have not yet been made public. What makes this loss even more poignant is that it comes mere weeks after Sabu officially wrestled his final match. On April 18, during WrestleMania weekend, the “Homicidal, Suicidal, Genocidal” legend stepped into the ring one last time, defeating Joey Janela in the main event of Joey Janela’s Spring Break 9.
Sabu’s legacy is deeply entwined with the roots of extreme wrestling. A second-generation star and the nephew of the legendary Sheik, Sabu broke into the business in 1985, wrestling across various Midwest territories. While he had early stints in WWE and Japan’s FMW, it was in ECW where Sabu became a game-changer. His wild, no-holds-barred style made him a cornerstone of the promotion’s rebellious identity, influencing an entire generation of performers and fans.
His brutal, high-risk matches against the likes of Rob Van Dam and Taz were the stuff of underground legend, passed around on VHS tapes long before streaming made wrestling instantly accessible. Even a brief run in WCW couldn’t keep him away from the chaos of ECW, where he remained until the company’s eventual closure in 2001.
After ECW folded, Sabu continued to bring hardcore wrestling to audiences on the independent scene and through appearances in TNA Wrestling. He returned to WWE during its ECW revival in 2006, briefly rekindling the spirit of the original brand. That run included a notable clash with John Cena at Vengeance 2006, offering mainstream fans a glimpse of what made Sabu a cult hero. He was released from WWE in 2007 but never left the ring for long, continuing to compete well into his later years.
Sabu’s death marks the end of an era. Few wrestlers embodied the raw, dangerous, and unpredictable energy of ‘90s ECW like he did. Whether crashing through tables wrapped in barbed wire or flying through the air with little regard for his own safety, Sabu lived the “hardcore” label in and out of the ring.
From smoky bingo halls to pay-per-view spotlights, his legacy will endure wherever fans celebrate wrestling without limits.
WWE’s first premium live event following WrestleMania XL delivered on chaos, surprises, and hard-hitting drama. With four championship matches, an unexpected debut, and a main event filled with controversy, Backlash 2025 set the tone for a turbulent summer in WWE.
United States Championship Fatal 4-Way: Jacob Fatu (c) def. Drew McIntyre, Damian Priest, and LA Knight
The United States Championship match exploded into action from the opening bell, with each man quickly rekindling post-WrestleMania rivalries. While Drew McIntyre and Damian Priest battled outside, LA Knight used the chaos to send Jacob Fatu crashing into the ring post. Momentum swung early and often, with Knight briefly taking control before Priest, McIntyre, and the champ started a cycle of signature offense.
An explosive exchange saw Fatu deliver a senton to McIntyre, only to eat Knight’s BFT, which led to a Priest chokeslam, followed by a Claymore from McIntyre — but no pinfall.
As the ring cleared, McIntyre seemed poised for victory after hitting Knight with a Claymore, but Priest yanked him out of the ring, robbing him once again. That sparked a brutal brawl between the two up the ramp and into the timekeeper’s area, culminating in Priest hitting South of Heaven off a production box through a table.
Back in the ring, Knight nearly had it won with a pair of elbow drops on Fatu — but the Samoan Werewolf refused to stay down. Just when Knight looked ready to end it, Solo Sikoa appeared to rescue the champion, dragging him to safety. That distraction allowed a mystery man, revealed to be Jeff Cobb, to ambush Knight.
Cobb demolished LA and fed him to a confused but opportunistic Fatu, who hit a moonsault for the pin. The champ retained, but his post-match stare-down with Sikoa and the debuting Cobb hinted that bigger moves may be in motion.
In a fiercely contested bout, Lyra Valkyria proved she’s more than a rising star — she’s a fighting champion. The challenger, Becky Lynch, leaned hard into her heel tendencies, taunting both the crowd and Lyra’s fiancé at ringside, using every trick in the book to get under the champ’s skin.
Despite Lynch’s mind games and underhanded tactics — including exposing a turnbuckle and going for a steel chair — Valkyria stayed composed. A key sequence saw her hit a devastating top-rope leg drop and later a Nightwing, but a delayed count due to Carr’s distraction allowed Lynch to kick out.
The finish came after a frenzied exchange of reversals and an eye poke from Lynch. Valkyria outsmarted the veteran by reversing a roll-up for the three-count. Lynch lost it post-match, refusing to release a Dis-Arm-Her on the champ. It took GM Adam Pearce and officials to restore order, with commentary speculating Valkyria may have suffered a broken nose.
Penta gave Dirty Dom all he could handle in this first-time-ever match, taking early control and stunning the champ with a destroyer on the apron. But Judgment Day’s presence loomed large, and when Penta dove onto Carlito and JD McDonagh, Finn Bálor was able to distract the referee.
That allowed El Grande Americano to strike — headbutting Penta with a loaded mask just as he prepared for a high-flying attack. Mysterio hit a frog splash to steal the win and retain the Intercontinental Championship. The Judgment Day stood tall on the ramp, looking more unified than they have in weeks.
Gunther def. Pat McAfee via Submission
Pat McAfee returned to the ring in front of a hyped St. Louis crowd, but found out quickly that Gunther doesn’t do comedy matches. The Austrian juggernaut brutalized McAfee with his signature stiff offense, but the commentator-turned-wrestler showed incredible heart.
A spirited comeback — and some help from Michael Cole, who actually grabbed Gunther’s foot — gave McAfee a glimmer of hope. A sleeper and roll-up nearly shocked the world, but in the end, Gunther’s technical dominance was too much. He choked McAfee out cold, winning via submission while sending a message that even entertainment personalities aren’t safe in his ring.
Undisputed WWE Championship: John Cena (c) def. Randy Orton
In a wild, main event clash filled with mind games and veteran counters, John Cena once again walked away as Undisputed Champion — but not without controversy.
The match began with mutual gamesmanship and turned personal quickly. Cena poked Orton in the eye during a fake handshake, and it was off to the races. The Viper dished out punishment with stomps, DDTs, and even a table spot on the outside. Cena responded with multiple Attitude Adjustments and even tried a punt kick of his own.
Ref bumps, interference teases, and multiple finisher kickouts left the match teetering on chaos. After Orton fought off GM Nick Aldis’ staff, R-Truth tried to intervene, only to be dropped with an RKO. That allowed Cena to blast Orton with the championship belt. With the referee slowly getting into position, Cena covered and scored the controversial win.
Post-match, Cena declared himself the last real champion and dismissed the crowd — but when a “Thank you Cena” chant broke out, the 16-time world champ paused, appearing to fight off emotion before walking to the back, title in hand.
John Cena attacks R-Truth at the WWE Backlash Press Conference
The WWE Backlash post-show press conference in St. Louis took an unexpected turn when 17-time World Champion John Cena made a surprise appearance—one that ended with R-Truth eating a table.
After quietly exchanging a few words with WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque, Cena took the mic to a big reaction. Levesque dubbed him the “Greatest of All-Time” before handing over the floor, and Cena stepped up in a notably subdued tone. Sounding more like one of his introspective tweets than the fiery Cena fans are used to, the champ said he felt it was time to “step forward” and address the media personally following his latest successful title defense.
Cena promised to answer any question the press had, starting with one about his longtime rival and opponent from the Backlash main event, Randy Orton. But before he could get a word in, chaos arrived in the form of R-Truth.
Bursting into the room, Truth excitedly called out for his “childhood hero,” clearly thrilled to see Cena after his big win. At first, Cena took the interruption in stride with a smile. That changed quickly when Truth, in his usual mix of comedy and confusion, mentioned that some people say Cena “sucks and can’t wrestle.”
That struck a nerve.
Cena’s demeanor darkened, warning Truth that he’d crossed a line and better not push his luck. But, of course, Truth being Truth, he didn’t stop talking.
That’s when Cena snapped—lifting Truth and sending him crashing through the press conference table in front of a stunned media crowd.
While the status of Truth after the attack hasn’t been officially updated, it’s clear that Cena’s current title run is coming with a new edge—and a much shorter fuse. As for the soul-searching Cena alluded to? If this moment is any indication, it may be leading him down a darker path than fans are used to.
WWE SmackDown airs live tonight on the USA Network in the United States and Netflix for international fans from the Wright State University Nutter Center in Dayton, Ohio.
Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena to appear
LA Knight and Damian Priest vs. Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa
WWE Women’s Championship No. 1 Contender’s Match: Jade Cargill vs. Nia Jax
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